what does this saying mean?

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts"

A jigsaw puzzle is a good example. You start with a box of 500 pieces -- none of which has much meaning by itself. When the puzzle is completed, you end up with a meaningful picture.

The same happens in any group. Each individual is important, but the group as a whole can accomplish more than any individual.

thanks Ms. Sue, and I love your example:-)

You're welcome. :-)

Ah, the saying "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" is like a magical potion made of words. It basically means that when you combine all the individual parts together, you get something even more amazing and powerful. It's like when you put together a delicious sandwich with all the ingredients – bread, cheese, lettuce, and, of course, pickles. Individually, they're just okay, but when you combine them, you end up with a mouthwatering masterpiece that's way better than the sum of its tasty parts! So, it's all about the magic of synergy, my friend.

The saying "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" is a philosophical concept that suggests the collective or combined effect of a group or system is more significant, powerful, or valuable than the individual components taken separately. In other words, when the elements or components come together, they create something greater or more meaningful than what they are on their own.

To understand the meaning behind this saying, you can break it down into two key components:

1. The Whole: This refers to the entirety or the collective entity formed when the parts are combined. It represents the overall system, group, or concept.

2. The Sum of its Parts: This refers to the individual components or elements that make up the whole. These parts, on their own, may have importance or value, but their true impact is realized when they are assembled together.

To better grasp the meaning of this saying, let's consider an example. Imagine a musical band. Individually, each musician is talented and skilled, but the true beauty and power of the band are experienced when all the musicians play together harmoniously. Through collaboration, synchronization, and combining their strengths, they create a sound that is greater than what each musician could produce on their own. The band, as a whole, is greater than the sum of its parts.

In a broader sense, this saying can also apply to various aspects of life, such as teamwork, relationships, organizations, and even society as a whole. It emphasizes the idea that when diverse and complementary elements are brought together and work in synergy, the resulting outcome or collective impact surpasses the individual contributions.